Braid it, knot it, loop it or tie it.Scarf it up.Scarf it down.And all around.There are so many ways to wear a scarf, and plenty of reasons."It completes the outfit and makes you look finished," says Renee Quistorf, owner of Renee's Contemporary Clothing in downtown Everett."It makes people think you know what you are doing."But what if you're an otherwise hopeless fashion victim?"Fake it until you make it," Quistorf said.Plenty of people are doing just that.The popularity of scarves is evident from the bus stop to the boardroom. It isn't just your imagination. Everybody's wearing them."More are willing to try them," Quistorf said. "People who were slow to adapt are willing to try."And this trend is gender inclusive."Men are getting bolder," she said. "Guys look great in them."The bottom line is the fun factor."It's a way to have fun with your wardrobe," she said. "It looks like a whole new outfit. Scarves add a little fashion and flair."Her store recently got in a collection of 81 scarves for spring.Lesson 1: Just like with clothes, there are scarf seasons. Save the dull blacks and browns for fall and winter. Spring and summer call for lightweight pinks and oranges.Lesson 2: Not all scarves are created equal. Five bucks buys a scarf at the discount store. Renee's go from $12 to $80.Yes, there is difference.Renee's silk, linen and light cotton scarves are "exquisite textile arts" from Asian Eye, a retailer in Anacortes. No two are alike. "They go abroad and they order the scarves abroad," she said.Discount stores often order mass bulks of fabric blends. These look great if you complete Lesson 3: Learn how to wear it.Those $5 scarves can look fabulous if put through the right moves.Think there's only one way to wear a scarf? Refresh your neck with this tutorial, "25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes" from Wendy's Lookbook .Don't be afraid to try something new.Then, Lesson 4: That part of your wardrobe is set for the day. Forget about it … though that might be hard to do if you're getting compliments all day.Learn moreRenee's Clothing, 2820 Colby Ave., Everett; 425-252-2230; www.reneesclothing.comAsian Eye, online scarves; www.asianeye.com.

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